Today on Valley Edition, we talk with local author Armen Bacon about her new book "Griefland" and learn how a friendship grew out of the tragic loss of her son. We'll also talk about how tragic circumstances can change lives. Peter Nazaretian, a licensed marriage and family therapist, also joins our discussion.

Speaking of lives changed, in our second segment we talk with Gloria Owings, who once lived on Fresno's streets, but now has a home thanks to the help of the Fresno Housing Authority. We'll learn more about how her life has changed, and talk with Angelina Nguyen from the Housing Authority and learn more about the progress being made in housing Fresno's homeless.

We close our program with a look at the latest idea to revitalize downtown Fresno - creating an indoor public market. Craig Scharton of the City of Fresno joins us to talk about the concept, which would draw inspiration from similar ventures in Seattle (Pike Place Market) and San Francisco (Ferry Building). Could the city owned portion of the former Gottschalks' building in downtown soon be home to just such a market, which would showcase the agricultural riches of the valley? We talk to Craig and find out what the city hopes to learn from a market consultant who will visit Fresno later today.

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Both Armen Bacon and Nancy Miller have shared the pain of losing a child to addiction. On this edition of Valley Writers Read, we hear them read their story, Griefland- An Intimate Portrait of Love, Loss and Unlikely Friendship. They share the tragedy of their loss and how their grief helped build their friendship.

On this week's Valley Edition we talk about efforts to end homelessness in the Valley. We also hear about the big water pollution problems facing the communities of rural Tulare County, and get a preview of the Big Fresno Fair.